Abortion in Austria

Abortion in Austria has been fully legalized since January 23, 1974.[1] Abortions can be performed on-demand in hospitals for women during the first three months from the beginning of the pregnancy.[1] Abortions can be performed later if there is a physical or mental health threat to the mother, if there is an incurable problem with the development of the fetus, or if the patient is under the age of 14.[2]

There is no punishment for doctors who choose not to perform abortions based on personal or religious convictions, except if the life of the mother is at stake and a lack of abortion causes the mother's death.[1] The 1974 law protects doctors who choose not to perform abortions.[1] There are very few abortion clinics or hospitals with abortion capability outside major cities, making it next to impossible to have an abortion in rural areas.[2] Abortions are not paid for by the government health system.[2]

As of 2000, the abortion rate was 1.4 abortions per 1000 women aged 15–44 years.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Austria. Federal Law of 23 January 1974. (Bundesgesetzblatt, No. 60, 1974.)
  2. 1 2 3 Europe's abortion rules
  3. ↑ "World Abortion Policies 2013". United Nations. 2013. Retrieved 3 March 2014.


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